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F 6th chord on bass (F6)
Also called or written F6 or F
F 6th is built from F, A, C, and D. The default voicing on bass places F in the bass and includes an open D string.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 6
- Root positionF–A–C–DF61-3-0-2
- First inversionA–C–D–FF6/A5-5-3-5
- Second inversionC–D–F–AF6/C8-8-7-7
- Third inversionD–F–A–CF6/D10-12-10-10
How do you play an F 6th chord on bass?
F 6th is played in open position as 1 3 0 2: index finger on the E string at fret 1, ring finger on the A string at fret 3 and middle finger on the G string at fret 2. The D string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1 | 1 | F (1) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (5) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (6) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (3) |
AdvancedThe open D string must ring cleanly while three fingers fret notes on adjacent strings, requiring precise finger placement.
F6/A inversion
F 6th is played at the 3rd fret as 5 5 3 5: middle finger on the E string at fret 5, ring finger on the A string at fret 5, index finger on the D string at fret 3 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (3) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (6) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 1 | F (1) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 4 | C (5) |
F6/C inversion
F 6th is played at the 7th fret as 8 8 7 7: ring finger on the E string at fret 8, pinky finger on the A string at fret 8, index finger on the D string at fret 7 and middle finger on the G string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 3 | C (5) |
| 3 (A) | 8 | 4 | F (1) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 1 | A (3) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 2 | D (6) |
F6/D inversion
F 6th is played at the 10th fret as 10 12 10 10: index finger on the E string at fret 10, pinky finger on the A string at fret 12, middle finger on the D string at fret 10 and ring finger on the G string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (6) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (3) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 2 | C (5) |
| 1 (G) | 10 | 3 | F (1) |
Why it sounds like that
F 6th uses the formula 1, 3, 5, 6. The major 6th interval from F to D gives the chord its bright, settled color. Compare it with F major, which stops at the perfect 5th.
What goes wrong with F 6th?
- Accidentally muting the open D string with the palm of your fretting hand.
- Letting the middle finger collapse and buzz the G string at fret 2.
- Striking the E string too hard, overpowering the F bass note.
When to use it
F 6th works as the I chord in F major, especially in the I–IV–V–I progression F–B♭–C–F. It suits bright funk lines and pop bass parts. Try it over F major or F 5th.
Changing to and from F 6th
- Move to F major by lifting the middle finger off the G string and playing only the fretted notes at 1-3-0.
- Slide the shape up one fret to the 4th fret to reach F♯ 6th.
Which voicing to use
The F6/A inversion places the third in the bass, giving a smooth, melodic start. For a lower, more grounded sound, use the F6/C inversion at the 8th fret. The F6/D inversion at the 10th fret offers a compact alternative.
Other F chords
Common questions
How does F 6th differ from F major 7th?
F 6th adds the major 6th (D) to the major triad, while F major 7th adds the major 7th (E). The 6th creates a softer, less dissonant color than the 7th.
Can F 6th be used in a minor key?
F 6th appears in D natural minor as the III chord, but its major quality makes it less common in minor progressions. It is more idiomatic in major keys.
What is the easiest way to play F 6th on bass?
The F6/A inversion at frets 5-5-3-5 is compact but still requires a stretch. The default voicing at frets 1-3-0-2 is the easiest because it uses an open string.